In an effort to produce more science and math geniuses in San Mateo County, two county supervisors are starting a program that will give kids hands-on learning in these fields.

The goal of the “Science Series” program is to help children excel and remain interested in math, science and technology, said Supervisor Mark Church, who spearheaded the program with Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson. After fourth grade, American children score lower in math and science on standardized tests than children in other countries, Church said.

“This trend is alarming when you consider San Mateo County’s leading edge industries are reliant upon a workforce well grounded in math, science and technology,” he said. “Students, and ultimately our workforce, must not only succeed in, but also excel in those subjects if we are to remain globally competitive.”

The supervisors have formed a group of educators, child advocates and industry leaders to explore new strategies for boosting kids’ performance in math, science and technology.

A pilot project has already taken place with a sixth-grade class from St. Matthews Episcopal Day School in which investigators from the county’s crime lab presented an interactive crime-scene demonstration.

Much of the program’s success will depend on the partnerships developed with local companies that can provide hands-on learning for kids.

“With the tremendous resources available in San Mateo County and the Bay Area, we have a great opportunity to develop a future work force that will lead the innovation which has made this region stand out among others,” Gibson said.

The program will likely target kids in sixth, seventh and eighth grades.

The county has budgeted $30,000 for the program. Some of that money is being used to compile student test scores in math and science. The data will be analyzed and compared to statewide, national and international test scores the Science Series group in targeting the appropriate student population.

Church said they hope to launch the program by fall of 2005.

“The objective is to make math, science and technology come alive for these kids,” he said.

Staff writer T.S. Mills-Faraudo covers education. She can be reached at (650) 348-4338.

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